State Rep. Dwight Kay, R-Glen Carbon, said he’s confident his bill to speed up the state’s power to strip corrupt officials of their state-funded pensions will pass into law after the Illinois General Assembly reconvenes in late January.

Kay so far not heard anyone speak in opposition to the bill, which allows the state to terminate the state-funded pensions of public officials on the day those officials plead guilty to a crime connected to their public duties.

Under current law, public officials found guilty of corruption may continue to collect their state-funded pensions until the date of their sentencing — which could be months after they enter guilty pleas.

Kay says he has not heard any opposition at all, and would be very surprised if he does.